The Third Iraq War

Limited bombing won't defeat the new terrorist caliphate.

Updated Aug. 12, 2014 2:56 p.m. ET

President Obama keeps saying that the U.S. isn't returning to war in Iraq, but tell that to the Islamic State jihadists being killed by U.S. F-18s to protect the Kurds. Bombing is an act of war, and Mr. Obama has already sent 800 troops or military advisers to Iraq. We are at war again in Iraq, for the third time in 25 years. And the main question now is whether the Commander in Chief will fight it vigorously enough to defeat the jihadists who have become the main threat to the region and America.